Full disclosure: I was already sold on Best Picture Oscar nomineeThe Big Short when it first came out because (a) it's directed by Adam McKay (Talladega Nights is a go-to cheer-up movie) and (b) I'm in the process of buying my first home.

But no one else I know had any interest in seeing the true-story housing-crisis dark comedy, saying, "I don't think I'd understand it."

Fear not, film fans. The Big Short is not some esoteric economics thesis. It's a razor-sharp-witted ride following a few folks who saw the 2000s real estate crash coming and made mad money as a result. It's also a movie everyone should see—and enjoy. Here's why:

1. It's Clever About Our Cluelessness: Any technical banking term or situation is explained, brilliantly, by breaking the fourth wall, often with special guest stars (Hi, Selena Gomez!). I don't want to spoil anything else, but trust me, if I could understand it, anyone can. I mean, I write about the Kardashians all day.

3. The More You Know:The Big Short is a big lesson on personal responsibility and why no one should live on credit trying to keep up with the Joneses. The housing bubble burst led to our recent Great Recession, and another crisis like this could be headed our way. Why not educate yourself on how we can best avoid this, and laugh out loud at the same time?

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